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WASHINGTON, DC – The White House announced today that Cecilia Muñoz, the current director of intergovernmental affairs, has been tapped to succeed Melody Barnes as director of the Domestic Policy Council. The Domestic Policy Council advises the President on the nation’s top domestic policy needs, especially on issues of importance to working class families. Below is a statement from Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center:

“President Obama chose the right woman for the job. Cecilia’s strong leadership and strategic thinking will be an enormous asset to the administration as she helps shape and implement its domestic agenda. She also brings decades of experience working to improve the quality of life for all members of “the 99%” to this position, which is even more important during this time of economic uncertainty. The daughter of Bolivian immigrants, Cecilia truly understands that in order to make the American Dream a reality in the future, we must make sound investments in our families and communities today. During her time at the National Council of La Raza, Cecilia was an ardent proponent of preserving the social safety net for all families, increasing access to quality, affordable health care, and ensuring all workers have the freedom to exercise their labor rights.

“Cecilia’s appointment to this critical position in the White House helps create a public sector that better reflects our own multicultural country. At a time of unprecedented attacks on Latino and immigrant communities across the country, Cecilia serves as a reminder of the power of a ‘Si, se puede’ attitude and the drive to create a prosperous future for all American families, no matter their socioeconomic or immigration status.”